STATEMENT
ISSUED BY SALAM ABRAM, MP
UDM SPOKESPERSON FOR AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS

The
UDM condemns the two latest farm attacks over the weekend, one in the Free State
and the other on the KwaZulu Natal South Coast. We extend our sympathies to the
injured victims and their families, and wish them a speedy recovery.

The continuing spate of farm attacks across the country exacerbates the growing
hostility and fear in rural areas and among farmers and farm workers. The UDM
calls on the authorities to implement immediately strategies to curb these
violent crimes. Much discussion on strategies have resulted in little actual
implementation on the ground, and government runs the risk of being accused of
paying lip-service without making these horrific crimes a top priority.

There is an exodus from rural areas, partly attributable to lack of rural
security, impacting negatively on rural community life and stability. Every
farmer withdrawing from agriculture creates a ripple effect. Many more people
are then compelled to move into towns in search of employment, whilst vital food
production is reduced.

Farm and rural safety must be a priority, we cannot allow a situation to develop
where the "remoteness", or other factors, of rural areas equate to a
reduction in government's constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and
property of its citizens. Government must make a concerted national effort to
address this type of criminality, failing which rural areas may become no-go
zones for decent law-abiding citizens.